Alethia Davis-Hecker
Alethia Davis-Hecker is the new Executive Director for SMILE. Alethia is a past Board member and founding Director for Programs and Services for SMILE. Alethia graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. She has been in the field of employment consulting for over 10 years. She has worked with Youth and New Canadians for a not-for-profit organization in Toronto. Alethia currently works full-time as a Career Coordinator at the Ted Rogers School of Management, TMU, formally Ryerson University. Alethia enjoys spending time with the family especially her creative, loving and fun daughter. One of her greatest passions is encouraging individuals to live a fruitful life full of potential.
Karen Brown
Karen Brown is the past President and founder of SMILE. Karen was a single mom of one son- Selassie when she founded SMILE. Karen has over 28 years of teaching experience in the education sector and currently serves as President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Karen has a passion for helping others in need and knows first-hand the challenges of furthering her education while being a single mom. Karen believes that education is the great equalizer and is one of the key tools to lifting women and children out of poverty. Karen believes in transformational leadership and developing sustainable communities. Karen desires to plant seeds of hope in the lives of single mothers and with smile’s support help them to blossom to their full potential. Karen is currently the first Black female President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario
Jackie Samuels
Jackie Samuels is a Vice-principal with the Toronto District School Board and has served as a SMILE volunteer for several years. Jackie is a mother of three and desires to help single mothers achieve their goals despite the obstacles they have encountered. Jackie hails from Jamaica and is delighted to be able to assist not only women in Canada but internationally. As a teacher Jackie knows the value of a good education and the doors it can open for women. Jackie looks forward to serving in her new role as Director and helping the next generation of women to soar to new heights.
Helen Hewitt
Helen Hewitt is a founding Director and a past President of SMILE. She is a single mother of two beautiful boys. Along with Norma Anderson, Helen established SMILE’ international contact with the community of Prickley Pole Jamaica where the organization disbursed its first three international bursaries. Helen has experienced the joys and challenges of being a single mom. Helen is active in her local community and works with business partners to provide Christmas Hampers to single parents in need. Helen has an incredible ability to connect with people and she hopes her story of triumph will help other single mothers to aspire to be the best they can be. Helen is a Registered nurse at a Toronto Hospital.
Oliver Creary-Satchell
Olive Creary-Satchell is a founding Director of SMILE and is the current Treasure. She is an educator who is passionate about teaching and learning and believes that all students can be successful if they are taught according to their specific learning needs. Olive is a Global Citizen who is dedicated to Equity in International Development and Social Justice, thus her involvement in helping to plant seeds of hope for single mothers who yearn to develop their academic, leadership/mentorship skills.
Sonia Ellis-Seguin
Sonia Ellis-Seguin is an Executive Staff member with ETFO. Sonia has volunteered with Smile for several years and is passionate about advancing the status of women and girls locally and nationally. Sonia is a mom of a blended family and brings that expertise to the team. Sonia is also a member of Operation Black Vote is and is actively involved in issues of equity and social justice. Sonia is currently our lead presenter for the parenting workshop. She has a desire to work with with parents to equip them to be successful advocates for their children.